Third World Immigration Moratorium Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a broad and restrictive travel ban on individuals from a list of 40 countries and those with Palestinian Authority travel documents, with limited exceptions and a discretionary waiver process.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits nationals from 40 specified countries and individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority from entering the United States. It includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, dual nationals, diplomats, certain athletes, special immigrants, and those granted immigrant visas due to ethnic and religious persecution in Iran, while also allowing for case-by-case waivers for critical national interests. The bill mandates a periodic report to Congress on the prohibition's continuation or modification.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary measure to enhance national security, protect the homeland from potential threats originating from unstable regions, and assert national sovereignty over immigration policy. They contend that restricting entry from countries identified as concerns is a prudent step to safeguard American interests and ensure a more controlled immigration system.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that the bill is discriminatory, inhumane, and likely to face legal challenges for violating constitutional principles and international human rights norms. They argue it would severely harm U.S. diplomatic relations, create humanitarian crises, separate families, and negatively impact the U.S. economy by restricting travel and talent from a wide array of nations.
The bill is relatively short and straightforward, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 2(a)
Entry Prohibition for Nationals of Identified Countries
This provision establishes a prohibition on entry into the United States for aliens who are nationals of any of 40 specifically listed countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, and many African nations. This means individuals holding citizenship from these countries would generally be barred from entering the U.S.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this broad prohibition is essential for national security, allowing the U.S. to control its borders more effectively and mitigate risks associated with immigration from countries deemed to pose specific concerns or lack stable governance. They assert it prioritizes the safety and security of American citizens.
Critics contend
Critics contend that such a sweeping ban is discriminatory, xenophobic, and likely to be ineffective in achieving genuine security while causing immense humanitarian suffering. They argue it paints entire populations with a broad brush, harms U.S. international standing, and could violate international law.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between national security concerns and the principles of non-discrimination, humanitarian responsibility, and the potential for significant diplomatic and economic fallout from a broad travel ban.
Section 2(b)
Entry Prohibition for Holders of Palestinian Authority Travel Documents
In addition to the country-specific bans, this provision explicitly prohibits aliens possessing travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority from entering the United States. This targets individuals who may not be nationals of a listed country but whose travel documents originate from the Palestinian Authority.
Section 3
Scope and Exemptions from Entry Prohibition
This section clarifies that the prohibition applies only to aliens who are outside the U.S. and do not possess a valid visa on the date of the Act's enactment. It also lists several key exceptions, including lawful permanent residents, dual nationals (of a prohibited and a non-prohibited country), diplomats, certain athletes for major sporting events, special immigrants, and those with immigrant visas due to ethnic and religious persecution in Iran.
Section 3(c)
Discretionary Waiver for Critical National Interest
This provision grants the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretaries of State and the Attorney General, discretionary authority to waive the entry prohibition if an alien's entry would advance a critical national interest. An example provided is when individuals must be present to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses.
Section 4
Periodic Review and Report to Congress
This section mandates that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, must submit a report to Congress every 180 days. This report must include a recommendation on whether the entry prohibition should be continued, terminated, modified, or supplemented, and detail any cases where exceptions were applied.
An exception to the general entry prohibition for aliens who have an immigrant visa due to ethnic and religious persecution in Iran.
Section 3(b)(6)
Why it matters:This is likely standard legislative practice for listing exceptions, but its specificity for Iran could be a targeted carve-out for a particular advocacy group or foreign policy consideration.
Case for: Supporters would argue this exception is crucial for upholding humanitarian values and providing refuge to vulnerable populations facing severe persecution, aligning with long-standing U.S. policy to protect religious and ethnic minorities.
Case against: Critics might argue that if the ban is truly about national security, such specific humanitarian carve-outs could be seen as inconsistent, or that singling out Iran for this exception while other countries on the list also have persecuted populations could be viewed as arbitrary.
Estimated impact: Potentially impacts thousands of individuals from Iran seeking refuge in the U.S. based on specific persecution claims.